Driving Licence Karnataka - How to Apply for Driving Licence in Karnataka

How to Apply for Driving Licence in Karnataka

If you drive to commute in Karnataka, getting your licence is essential. The state mandates that all drivers must have their licence on them while driving. The fine for not doing so is ₹5000 for a first-time offense, and ₹10,000 the second time. Luckily for you, getting a driver’s licence in Karnataka is a hassle-free process.

In Karnataka, driving licence candidates must first obtain a learner's licence, valid for six months, to practice their driving skills. Next, candidates can apply for a permanent driving licence at least one month and at most six months after receiving their learner’s licence. To receive one’s permanent driving licence, a quick application for a test-slot is required for a minimal fee. This is followed by a written and performance test to showcase proficiency.

Types of Driving licence in Karnataka

At present, three varieties of driving licences are conferred by the Karnataka government:

1. Driving licence Issued for a Gearless Motorcycles:

This is a type of permanent DL in Karnataka. It is granted to applicants who drive gearless motorcycles and two-wheelers like mopeds and scooters. To apply for this licence, the candidate must be at least 16 years old.

1. Driving licence Issued for a Light Motor Vehicle:

In Karnataka, driving licence applicants who drive light motor vehicles such as cars and bikes can opt for this type of permanent licence. To apply, candidates are required to be at least 18 years old.

1. Driving licence Issued for a Transport Vehicle:

Candidates who wish to drive transport vehicles like trucks, cabs, lorries, or private sector cars are required to opt for this type of permanent DL in Karnataka. The driver’s licence for a transport vehicle is generally allotted to applicants who are at least 20 years of age.

Eligibility Criteria for Driving licence in Karnataka

• Candidates should be at least 18 years or older to apply for their permanent driving licence and lawfully drive their motor vehicle.

• First, candidates must procure a valid learner’s licence.

• The driving licence application form for a permanent driver's licence must be submitted at least 30 days and within 180 days from the date of issue on one’s learner’s licence.

• Those who are 20 years or older and already hold their learner’s licence, can apply for a commercial vehicle licence if need be.

• Applicants must be aware of all the current traffic laws.

Documents Required for Driving licence Application in Karnataka

The following documents should be submitted to the closest or concerned RTO by the applicant.

• 4 passport-sized photos of the candidate.

• If applicable, a medical certificate in Form CMV1/IA provided by a licenced Government doctor.

• Valid documents of your vehicle for private automobiles.

• Appropriately completed application form which is to be downloaded from the Karnataka Transport Department website.

• Proof of age (any one or more of the following): PAN Card, Aadhar Card, SSLC Book, Voters ID.

• Proof of ID: Any photo and signature that bears your national identity like Passport, Voter ID, Aadhar Card, or PAN Card.

• Proof of Residence (any one or more of the following): Utility bill, Rental/ lease agreement, Ration card copy.

• Application fees as specified.

Based on your profile, more documents may be requested by your RTO. Check with any concerned authorities, before you proceed with your application submission.

Procedure to Get a Driving licence in Karnataka

In Karnataka, driving licence candidates need to follow a relatively straightforward procedure.

• Download Form 4 from transport.karnataka.gov.in/index.php/. Alternatively, one can collect the same application form from the nearest RTO.

• Submit the completed form at the concerned RTO with all necessary documents.

• The RTO official will then schedule a slot for your driving test.

• If they pass the test, you will receive your driving licence through speed post within 30 days.

Fees for Obtaining a Driving licence in Karnataka

 Refer to the following table to know about the fee depending on your driving licence-related issue.

Driving licence Renewal Karnataka

Any driving licence is issued with 20-year validity, or until the candidate reaches age 50, whichever is earlier. Those who cross 50 years of age are required to renew their Karnataka driving licence every 3 to 5 years. The latest you can request for a renewal is one month after your licence has expired.

First, collect the form for driving licence renewal from the RTO which issued your previous licence. Submit the duly filled form with a medical certificate in Form CMV 1/ IA, 3 passport photos, and your original driving licence. A renewal fee of ₹300 is required to avail of the new card. Often, you will receive your renewed licence on the same day of applying.

Applying for a Duplicate Driving licence in Karnataka

In case of theft or loss of your license, you need to apply for a duplicate license using a form titled ‘LLD.’ The license-holder must give their LLD form to the RTO which issued their previous license, in addition to 3 passport photos and the stipulated fee in the KMV (Karnataka Motor Vehicle) guidebook. Finally, it is important to present a copy of your missing/damaged license, which will speed up the process.

Applying for an International Driving licence in Karnataka

First, collect the Form CMV 4-A from a nearby RTO or download it from transport.karnataka.gov.in/index.php/. The candidate must be an Indian citizen, and visit an RTO to complete her application. A fee of ₹500 is required, known as the IDP (International Driving Permit) charge, which can be paid at the RTO or online. Submit copies of your valid Indian driving license, Passport, Visa, and airline ticket at the RTO. Also, provide medical details in form CMV 1/1A with 3 passport-photos.

Offices To Visit For Obtaining a Driving licence in Karnataka

Depending on your location, you can choose among the following curated RTOs in Karnataka. There are more operational RTOs in Karnataka- a total of 70 presently- than the ones mentioned below.

Conclusion

In India, the importance of driving licences cannot be overstated. As per a recent survey, it was brought to light that 6 of every 10 people who possess a driving licences have actually never sat behind the wheel. Thus, simply getting a driving license is insufficient, it is recommended that you go one step further and purchase a motor insurance policy to safeguard you and your vehicle from liabilities on the road. You can consider the motor insurance policy for either your car or two-wheeler on Finserv MARKETS. By opting for the motor insurance policy on Finserv MARKETS, you get access to a host of benefits - swift claim settlements, cashless claims at network garages all over India, and even 24/7 assistance!